Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser welcome Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, as the newest member of the KLB University Affiliate Network. The program, the largest and most successful program of its kind in the U.S. with 13 affiliates, engages college students in environmental stewardship and sustainability practices.
Louisiana Tech University joins Dillard University, Grambling State University, Loyola University New Orleans, Louisiana State University, Louisiana Tech University, Nicholls State University, Northwestern State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, Tulane University, University of Louisiana Monroe, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of New Orleans, and Xavier University of Louisiana.
“These 13 Louisiana universities are leading the way in sustainability and waste reduction in higher education,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “The future of our state is looking bright with these young changemakers at the helm. I can’t wait to see the positive change they’ll bring to Louisiana and the world.”
“We’re incredibly proud to see our network of University Affiliates continue to grow,” said Cabell Mouton, KLB Community Engagement and Affiliate Services Director. “This program is truly one-of-a-kind in the nation, and it’s an honor to support these dedicated students and campuses as they lead the way in environmental stewardship and sustainability practices.”
“We are dedicated to fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility at Louisiana Tech,” said Wes Cavin, Louisiana Tech’s Student Activities and Student Programs Director. “Joining the Keep Louisiana Beautiful University Affiliate program marks a significant step in our commitment to reducing waste, promoting recycling, and engaging our campus community in meaningful environmental initiatives. We look forward to collaborating with fellow institutions across the state to create a cleaner, greener Louisiana for future generations.”
To become an Affiliate, Louisiana Tech University was required to conduct a waste audit, litter survey and assessment, participate in Love the Boot Week, form an Affiliate leadership committee, design an Affiliate logo, and create a work plan.
A new University Affiliate class will begin in the fall of 2025. Invited to apply are two- and four-year colleges committed to continual improvement in sustainability and environmental issues, the promotion of student environmental stewardship and engagement, and strategic outcome measurement. More information about the Affiliate application process can be found at KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org.
KLB’s University Affiliate program was developed in 2021 in response to a growing interest in sustainability, waste reduction, and litter prevention at the university level. University of Louisiana at Lafayette, with KLB as a sub-recipient, secured a $500,000 five-year EPA Gulf of Mexico Trash-Free Waters Grant to create and launch the program, develop a litter assessment app, develop educational training videos for campus communities, and fund grant opportunities for University Affiliates.
As Affiliates, universities benefit from KLB staff support, access to KLB tools and resources, use of data collection processes, educational training, and membership in the KLB University Sustainability Coalition. University Affiliates also have the option to apply for grants to support sustainability practices, the reduction of single-use disposables, and litter prevention initiatives. In two years, the University Affiliate grant program has distributed $112,972.
“The University Affiliate program engages college students to think critically about non-point sources of pollution while gaining skills in ArcGIS, policy analysis, strategic planning, and community service,” says Susan Russell, Executive Director of KLB. “It’s important that we empower our future leaders and help equip them with the resources they need to take action.”